Dmitry Medvedev convenes new parliament despite protests

President Dmitry Medvedev has convened the first session of Russia's newly-elected parliament despite a wave of protests over alleged fraud that helped the ruling party cling on to its majority.

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev meets with leaders of parliamentary political parties at the Gorki presidential residence outside Moscow Photo: REUTERS

3:01PM GMT 13 Dec 2011

Mr Medvedev told the leaders of parliament's four factions in a special meeting that the first session will be held on December 21 despite ongoing checks into allegations of vote fixing and other violations.

"Today I am signing a decree for the first session of the Duma to be held on December 21," Mr Medvedev told the leaders of parliament's four factions. "Far from everyone is happy with the election results ... but that is always the case."

Mr Medvedev also announced plans to deliver his annual address to the nation on December 22 – two days before a mass opposition rally in Moscow that is expected to draw some 50,000 people for the second time in two weeks.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is also expected to address the worst political flare-up of his 12-year rule in an annual televised question and answer sessions with Russian on Thursday this week.

Mr Medvedev responded to mass national protests on Saturday by ordering checks into the violation reported.

He told the four party leaders on Tuesday that the inquiry was ongoing but that only 117 complaints had been raised.

"There are complaints about elections in certain polling stations," said Mr Medvedev.

"Election commissions and courts will have to carefully examine all the complaints and lawsuits carefully. Where real violations are found, they have to take just action," he added.

He also promised to push ahead with political reforms before leaving office in March presidential election that are widely expected to hand the presidency back to Putin.

"We must take new decisions, take more decisive steps to remove barriers on political activity. ... And what is most important for our country, (we must) bridge the gap between various social groups and government institutions."